Adolescent and young adult (aya) cancers: distinct biology, different therapy?

That cancer may have a different biology in young adults and older adolescents than in younger or older persons is becoming more evident. This review summarises recent reports that contain such data in five of the common types of cancer in adolescents and young adults: sarcomas, acute lymphoblastic and myelogenous leukaemia, colorectal and breast cancer. The findings, along with those in other cancers and with the unique array of cancer types in adolescents and young adults and their age-dependent incidence patterns, suggest that cancer biology in the age group may be different more often than not. Regardless, there is now sufficient evidence to merit methodical research of the underlying biology of cancer in young adults and older adolescents, with the implication that cancer therapy in the age group cannot be optimised until differences and similarities are established. Initiatives underway to address this need include implementation of the US National Cancer Institute Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program Review Group by the LiveStrong Young Adult Alliance, the Aflac/CureSearch Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Research Program, the Children's Oncology Group Adolescent and Young Adult Committee and a combined effort of the US National Adult Cancer Cooperative Groups.